MSc Advanced Clinical Practitioner - (Sexual Health) - Degree Apprenticeship
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Our Degree Apprenticeship MSc Advanced Clinical Practitioner provides an exciting opportunity for those working as experienced, registered, health professionals to develop in their advanced clinical practice roles.
The MSc Advanced Clinical Practitioner (Sexual Health) studied as a Degree Apprenticeship is a research rich, experientially focused award for those in employment as a trainee Advanced Clinical Practitioner in integrated sexual health services. The programme is a work-based learning award and as such, places an emphasis on developing and applying the knowledge, skills and behaviours required for a successful career in your ACP role. Your employer is responsible for initiating entry onto this programme. As an apprentice on this course your learning will be tailored to your needs, which will be identified in partnership with your employer and the university using the BASHH, FSRH and NHIVNA Advanced Clinical Practitioner (ACP) Integrated Sexual Health and HIV Specialist Training Curriculum.
Advanced Clinical Practitioners (ACPs) are recognised as autonomous specialists who manage complete episodes of care, working across what are deemed traditional professional boundaries to enhance the patient journey and develop clinical practice. Driven by the NHS (National Health Service) Long Term Plan (2019) and the NHS People Plan (2020), advanced clinical practice is considered the cornerstone of healthcare service redesign and delivery and is supported in the 2023 NHS Long Term Workforce Plan. Advanced
The Degree Apprenticeship MSc Advanced Clinical Practitioner (Sexual Health) award is designed to meet the requirements of the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IFATE) Advanced Clinical Practitioner (Integrated degree) standard. The course is designed to meet the requirements of the BASHH, FSRH and NHIVNA Advanced Clinical Practitioner (ACP) Integrated Sexual Health and HIV Specialist Training Curriculum, and the programme is aligned to the Health Education England (HEE) Multiprofessional framework for advanced clinical practice in England (2017). Its design draws on the NHS England Centre for Advancing Practice (CfAP) Standards for Education and Training (SETS) (2020) and Workplace Supervision for Advanced Clinical Practice (2021). This degree apprenticeship programme is designed for healthcare professionals that hold a qualifying professional registration and are employed as a trainee Advanced Clinical Practitioner working in integrated sexual health services (or equivalent). As an employer-initiated apprenticeship, full employer support to undertake this study is essential (Employers should pay particular attention to the Employer-led Learning and Application and Recruitment information of these pages). A practice portfolio developed throughout your studies will document your apprenticeship development across all 4 pillars of advanced practice (Clinical, Leadership and Management, Education, and Research) expected of an ACP working in integrated sexual health services, enabling you to demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and behaviours (KSBs) of the apprenticeship standard. The practice portfolio used for this apprenticeship incorporates the relevant clinical pathway from the BASHH, FSRH and NHIVNA ACP curriculum.
If your ACP role is not in within integrated sexual health services, other apprenticeship awards are available. We offer bracketed named awards for the following nationally recognised advanced practice curriculums:
Degree Apprenticeship MSc Advanced Clinical Practitioner (Older People)
Degree Apprenticeship MSc Advanced Clinical Practitioner (Acute Medicine)
Where no nationally recognised curriculum framework exists for your advanced practice role, our universal Degree Apprenticeship MSc Advanced Clinical Practitioner award can be studied, and bespoke capabilities guided by your employer integrated into your practice portfolio.
On completion of this programme, you will gain an MSc Advanced Clinical Practitioner (Sexual Health) qualification and an apprenticeship qualification. As an apprentice completing this course you will graduate with the skills and knowledge to help drive service improvements, analyse and interpret clinical data to help make a diagnosis, and improve patient care. This will equip you for such influential roles and support longer-term career aspirations working in advanced practice.
Apprenticeship programmes at Northumbria University are designed to support apprentices in acquiring the appropriate knowledge, skills and behaviours and retain the integrity of the apprenticeship standard as defined by IFATE. For further details please consult the IFATE Apprenticeship standards / Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education webpage here.
Our Degree Apprenticeship MSc Advanced Clinical Practitioner provides an exciting opportunity for those working as experienced, registered, health professionals to develop in their advanced clinical practice roles.
The MSc Advanced Clinical Practitioner (Sexual Health) studied as a Degree Apprenticeship is a research rich, experientially focused award for those in employment as a trainee Advanced Clinical Practitioner in integrated sexual health services. The programme is a work-based learning award and as such, places an emphasis on developing and applying the knowledge, skills and behaviours required for a successful career in your ACP role. Your employer is responsible for initiating entry onto this programme. As an apprentice on this course your learning will be tailored to your needs, which will be identified in partnership with your employer and the university using the BASHH, FSRH and NHIVNA Advanced Clinical Practitioner (ACP) Integrated Sexual Health and HIV Specialist Training Curriculum.
Advanced Clinical Practitioners (ACPs) are recognised as autonomous specialists who manage complete episodes of care, working across what are deemed traditional professional boundaries to enhance the patient journey and develop clinical practice. Driven by the NHS (National Health Service) Long Term Plan (2019) and the NHS People Plan (2020), advanced clinical practice is considered the cornerstone of healthcare service redesign and delivery and is supported in the 2023 NHS Long Term Workforce Plan. Advanced
The Degree Apprenticeship MSc Advanced Clinical Practitioner (Sexual Health) award is designed to meet the requirements of the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IFATE) Advanced Clinical Practitioner (Integrated degree) standard. The course is designed to meet the requirements of the BASHH, FSRH and NHIVNA Advanced Clinical Practitioner (ACP) Integrated Sexual Health and HIV Specialist Training Curriculum, and the programme is aligned to the Health Education England (HEE) Multiprofessional framework for advanced clinical practice in England (2017). Its design draws on the NHS England Centre for Advancing Practice (CfAP) Standards for Education and Training (SETS) (2020) and Workplace Supervision for Advanced Clinical Practice (2021). This degree apprenticeship programme is designed for healthcare professionals that hold a qualifying professional registration and are employed as a trainee Advanced Clinical Practitioner working in integrated sexual health services (or equivalent). As an employer-initiated apprenticeship, full employer support to undertake this study is essential (Employers should pay particular attention to the Employer-led Learning and Application and Recruitment information of these pages). A practice portfolio developed throughout your studies will document your apprenticeship development across all 4 pillars of advanced practice (Clinical, Leadership and Management, Education, and Research) expected of an ACP working in integrated sexual health services, enabling you to demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and behaviours (KSBs) of the apprenticeship standard. The practice portfolio used for this apprenticeship incorporates the relevant clinical pathway from the BASHH, FSRH and NHIVNA ACP curriculum.
If your ACP role is not in within integrated sexual health services, other apprenticeship awards are available. We offer bracketed named awards for the following nationally recognised advanced practice curriculums:
Degree Apprenticeship MSc Advanced Clinical Practitioner (Older People)
Degree Apprenticeship MSc Advanced Clinical Practitioner (Acute Medicine)
Where no nationally recognised curriculum framework exists for your advanced practice role, our universal Degree Apprenticeship MSc Advanced Clinical Practitioner award can be studied, and bespoke capabilities guided by your employer integrated into your practice portfolio.
On completion of this programme, you will gain an MSc Advanced Clinical Practitioner (Sexual Health) qualification and an apprenticeship qualification. As an apprentice completing this course you will graduate with the skills and knowledge to help drive service improvements, analyse and interpret clinical data to help make a diagnosis, and improve patient care. This will equip you for such influential roles and support longer-term career aspirations working in advanced practice.
Apprenticeship programmes at Northumbria University are designed to support apprentices in acquiring the appropriate knowledge, skills and behaviours and retain the integrity of the apprenticeship standard as defined by IFATE. For further details please consult the IFATE Apprenticeship standards / Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education webpage here.
Level of Study
Postgraduate
Mode of Study
3 years Part Time
Department
Nursing, Midwifery & Health
Location
City Campus, Northumbria University
City
Newcastle
Start
March 2025
Fees
Fee Information
Modules
Module Information
The practice focused, clinical nature of this programme enables contextualisation of theoretical underpinnings of the 4 pillars of advanced practice; Clinical Practice, Leadership and Management, Education, and Research, thus developing capability in an advanced role whilst also preparing apprentices to contribute to the future healthcare agenda.
The programme comprises core study modules and option modules, ensuring that studies are tailored to the needs of the apprentice and employer. All modules are designed to develop you across all 4 pillars of advanced practice within your specialist area of practice. A summary of each module is below. Full details of each module can be found via the Modules Overview box at the bottom of the page.
Year one of the programme comprises two compulsory modules and one core module. The compulsory modules are designed to develop your knowledge and skills for your clinical practice role. The Health History and Examination module uses a body systems approach to developing the essential fundamental skills for patient assessment, whilst introducing the notion of clinical decision making in the context of evidence for practice. The Life Science for Advanced Clinical Practitioners module will deepen your knowledge of normal and disease altered physiological processes. It will enable you to appraise the means and methods of measuring the parameters of normal and altered physiology exploring metabolic and homeostatic mechanisms at a cellular level. You will apply this to your specialist field. The core Service Improvement and Research Methods for Advanced Practice module will equip you with the knowledge required to transform service delivery and secure continuous quality improvement. You will explore evidence-based practice, research and service improvement case studies relating the findings to your sector to consider how your practice can be transformed to meet personal, organisational and national drivers.
Year two includes one compulsory module and two optional routes. All apprentices will undertake the compulsory Managing Clinical Complexity in Advanced Clinical Practice module. In this module you will develop mastery in the complex knowledge and technical ability needed to assess, monitor and develop collaborative management plans across complex disease continuums.
Non-medical prescribing will be studied by those undertaking Option route 1. The prescribing qualification / authority of independent and supplementary prescribing relates to regulatory and legal permissions therefore to be eligible to study non-medical prescribing you must hold a professional registration that supports the prescribing role. There are support and supervision requirements additional to those required within the MSc Advanced Clinical Practice programme when undertaking the non-medical prescribing route. Further information can be found here.
Option route 2 is designed to further your development with specific reference to the Leadership and Management pillar and the Education pillar. Contemporary Advanced Clinical Practice explores the global, political and social context of advanced practice and the expectations of the advanced practitioner as clinician, educator, leader and researcher. Contemporary theories of leadership, management and change management will support your development as a leader of service innovation and enhanced patient care whilst development of knowledge and application of learning, teaching and assessment theories will develop you as an educator.
Professional and Practice Development for Advanced Clinical Practice evaluates your knowledge, capability and confidence in leading and enhancing patient care and service delivery. Focused on an area of interest, you will be introduced to the role of service user/public partnership engagement strategies, quality assurance and service enhancement approaches in clinical practice including use of Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMS) and Patient Recorded Experience Measures (PREMS) to promote multiprofessional and multi-agency teamworking to enhance person-centered care.
Year three includes a dissertation portfolio module and an apprenticeship End Point Assessment (EPA). The Apprenticeship Dissertation Portfolio for Advanced Clinical Practitioners is the culmination of your practice portfolio alongside the development of a Practice Project, Empirical Project, or Systematic Appraisal. The Knowledge for Advanced Clinical Practice (Apprenticeship End Point Assessment) is your final module of study and provides an opportunity for you to demonstrate that you have achieved the knowledge, skills and behaviours identified in the Advanced Clinical Practitioner (Integrated degree) standard.
Recognition of Prior Learning
During the admissions process you can apply to have previously accredited academic study recognised against full modules of study within this programme. Any claims for recognition of prior (RPL) should evidence how your previous study fully meets the learning outcomes for the module claimed against and the corresponding programme learning outcomes. Applications for RPL should be discussed with and supported by your employer, and the programme team will make the final decision.
Government guidance on apprenticeship specific recognition of prior learning can be found here.
End Point Assessment
The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (2020) state that - Rigorous, robust and independent End Point Assessment (EPA) gives employers confidence that apprentices can actually perform in the occupation they have been trained in and can demonstrate the duties, and knowledge, skills and behaviours set out in the occupational standard. For details of the current EPA for your standard please consult the IFATE Apprenticeship standards / Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education webpage here.
This apprenticeship normally takes 3 years (part-time) to complete. The EPA for this apprenticeship is integrated and is the final 20 credits of the MSc programme. The EPA period lasts 12 weeks and starts once the apprentice has met the gateway requirements after the dissertation module.
Your university studies are integral to your advanced practice development. The programme has been designed to enable innovative solutions and develop new ways of working to improve, transform and streamline service delivery and equip apprentices with new, specialist practitioner knowledge to develop in their new role.
The programme recognises the specific learner characteristics of work-based learning students. This particularly notes the need for experiential assessment, opportunities to combine work and study, embedding academic and clinical learning. Indeed, the philosophy of the programme is derived from work-based learning guidelines and will:
Within university-led sessions you will draw on contemporary sources of research and evidence to explore key theories and core concepts related to advanced clinical practice across all 4 pillars. You will develop your ability to critically engage with learning, analysing and appraising evidence in the context of your practice, enabling you to demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and behaviours for this apprenticeship standard.
Your learning will be facilitated by the advanced practice team who will introduce you to various approaches to teaching, learning, and assessment throughout your studies. Examples of teaching and learning methods used include classroom and seminar-based learning, case-studies and case-based discussions, group learning and presentation, self-study, peer learning, simulation, and networking. Formative and summative assessments are designed to offer feedback on your current development to inform your future learning. Assessments include academic essays, short examinations, oral presentations of practice, a viva-voce, practical demonstrations and development of a practice portfolio. The modules, assessments, and practice portfolio for this award are designed to help you to meet the university based requirements of the BASHH, FSRH and NHIVNA Advanced Clinical Practitioner (ACP) Integrated Sexual Health and HIV SpecialistTraining Curriculum. You will also be required to successfully complete a university-based multi-station objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) to demonstrate clinical skills early in the programme. The varied and authentic nature of these assessments will prepare you for your future career as an advanced practitioner. University study will contribute to your 20% off the job training, a mandatory requirement of an apprenticeship.
Whilst on campus, apprentices will have access to the University’s exceptional facilities including social spaces, IT facilities and lecture theatres in addition to 24/7 access to our award winner University Library. The use of our Clinical Skills Centre based at Coach Lane campus includes some of the most advanced healthcare facilities in the country and the facilities ensure that your learning will progress in parallel with the latest developments in the healthcare industry.
The team that delivers the advanced clinical practitioner programme comprises clinicians and academics who boast extensive clinical, research, leadership and management, and educational knowledge across a variety of healthcare specialties, bringing their expertise to the classroom to enhance your learning experience. With many years’ experience supporting advanced practice students and apprentices, our expert team will be there to support you through every step of this apprenticeship, ensuring you leave with confidence and a full understanding of all aspects of this dynamic clinical practice role.
To support your studies, you will be allocated a personal tutor for the duration of your programme that will offer pastoral support. An Academic Work Place Coach will be on hand to provide holistic apprenticeship support, regularly bringing together you, your employer, and the university to support your development throughout your apprenticeship.
In partnership with Northumbria University, your employer will support you at work to achieve your apprenticeship. Whilst studying you will be required to work full-time, or at least 30 hours per week.
Your employer will help guide your workplace learning, introducing you to opportunities that will help you to develop your specialist knowledge and consolidate your learning in your advanced practice role. This learning will enable you to demonstrate achievement of the knowledge, skills, and behaviours of the apprenticeship standard. Opportunities for learning in the workplace could include supervised practice, shadowing and shadowed practice, clinician led and clinical teaching, simulation, and short courses. As an apprentice, a minimum of 20% of your learning should be off the job. Further details about off the job training can be found here.
Your employer will use the BASHH, FSRH and NHIVNA Advanced Clinical Practitioner (ACP) Integrated Sexual Health and HIV SpecialistTraining Curriculum to identify and define your scope of practice. They will provide practice support and supervision in line with the Specialist Training Curriculum requirements and NHS England’s Workplace Supervision for Advanced Clinical Practice (2021), and this includes at least one named clinical or clinical educational supervisor. Apprenticeship development will be facilitated by the university via Academic Work Place Coaches who will arrange to meet with you and your supervisor at regular intervals throughout the programme.
During the programme, university assessments are aligned to the workplace and include work-based assessment. This alignment to the context and activity of your organisation and job role increases organisational understanding and performance. Whilst off-campus and in the workplace, you will have access to our technology-enhanced learning (TEL) facilities to provide access to module information, electronic reading lists and online learning resources such as podcasts, e-books and e-journals.
The employer covers all tuition fees for the apprenticeship, the total payment required depends on the organisation’s apprenticeship levy status.
Apprentices studying an apprenticeship do not pay any tuition fees, however, as they are in full-time employment they do not have student status and therefore are not entitled to apply for student finance.
Application and entry onto this course should be initiated by employers. To discuss the fees for this apprenticeship in detail or to explore signing an agreement with the university, complete the enquiry form below and someone from our Business and Enterprise team will be in touch shortly.
Regional Faculties for Advancing Practice
NHS England has developed Regional Faculties for Advancing Practice to support advanced practice roles. It is strongly recommended that you visit the Regional Faculty for Advancing Practice webpages to explore the support that is available to your organisation during the implementation and ongoing development of these roles.
Alternative Application Route
If your organisation is unable to support your studies via their levy but you still want to apply for one of the Advanced Clinical Practitioner options, please find below alternative routes to apply. Please note your employer will still need to initiate an application to the programme and full fees will be applicable.
MSc Advanced Clinical Practitioner (Older People)
We guide both employer and apprentice through the application and funding process and will be on hand to assist you during the apprenticeship journey.
Information for Employers
To start the application process for either current employees or new recruits, contact our Business and Enterprise team today by email or complete our online enquiry form. Alternatively, you can call 0191 215 6300.
Should you wish to speak to any of the course team during the planning phase of your ACP recruitment and training programme, please raise an enquiry with the Business and Enterprise team.
Regional Faculties for Advancing Practice
NHS England has developed Regional Faculties for Advancing Practice to support advanced practice roles. It is strongly recommended that you visit the Regional Faculty for Advancing Practice webpages to explore the support that is available to your organisation during the implementation and ongoing development of these roles. Please note, any applications to a regional faculty are in addition to University application processes.
Information for Apprentices
To study this Advanced Clinical Practitioner Degree Apprenticeship you are required to be in full-time employment and working in a role that is recognised as an advanced clinical practitioner or trainee advanced clinical practitioner within integrated sexual health services within your organisation. You should speak with your employer about how your organisation can support you on this course, and in the role of an ACP. If you are interested in studying this apprenticeship and you are in current full-time employment you can complete our online enquiry form. Your employer will make the final decision about whether you will progress to application and it is recommended that they contact our Business and Enterprise team as detailed above.
Before entry onto the programme, all apprenticeship applicants must complete an Initial Skills Assessment which maps their prior knowledge against the apprenticeship standard. This is part of the University’s regulatory funding obligations. All Initial Skills Assessments are reviewed prior to induction and a meeting is held between the apprentice and a Work Place Coach to discuss this, including short-term and long-term goals upon commencing the apprenticeship. The purpose of an apprenticeship is to provide new learning and the skills assessment will be used to establish whether we need to tailor your programme in any way to account for your previous qualifications or experience. It also provides a benchmark against which to map your progress on the programme.
As an apprentice, you must meet the Institiute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education qualifications requirements. Applicants will need Maths and English Language at minimum grade 4/C, or Functional Skills English and Maths at level 2 and be able to provide evidence of these qualifications. Further information about these requirements can be found here. It is recommended that applicants have these qualifications prior to entry, however if applicants are working towards these qualifications whilst studying their apprenticeship, it is a condition that they are completed prior to the gateway to advance to End Point Assessment. The University will facilitate provision of Maths and English qualifications where this is needed.
Throughout your programme, you must demonstrate compliance with the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) rules through submission of evidence of your off-the-job training (OJT), which is reviewed at intervals throughout your apprenticeship, to ensure you meet the minimum 20% OJT requirement.
If you are not in full-time employment but would like to study this apprenticeship programme, keep checking our vacancies page for information regarding job opportunities.
Alternative Application Route
If your organisation is unable to support your studies via their levy but you still want to apply for one of the Advanced Clinical Practitioner options, please find below alternative routes to apply. Please note your employer will still need to initiate an application to the programme and full fees will be applicable.
MSc Advanced Clinical Practitioner (Older People)
MSc Advanced Clinical Practitioner (Acute Medicine)
Stay tuned for information around future events.
Applicants should normally have:
A minimum of a 2:2 honours degree in a relevant subject.
Registration with the Health and Care Professionals Council / Nursing and Midwifery Council (or other appropriate Allied Health Professional registrant) and employed in a relevant clinical setting.
Employed as or working towards an Advanced Clinical Practice role.
International qualifications
If you have studied a non UK qualification, you can see how your qualifications compare to the standard entry criteria, by selecting the country that you received the qualification in, from our country pages. Visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/yourcountry
English Language requirements
International applicants are required to have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 7 with 7 in each component (or approved equivalent*).
*The university accepts a large number of UK and International Qualifications in place of IELTS. You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades you will need in our English Language section. Visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/englishqualifications
* At Northumbria we are strongly committed to protecting the privacy of personal data. To view the University’s Privacy Notice please click here
Module information is indicative and is reviewed annually therefore may be subject to change. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes.
DA7007 -
Life Science for Advanced Clinical Practitioners (20 Credits)
The purpose of this module is to allow you to deepen your knowledge of life science for clinical practice, enabling development within your advanced clinical practitioner (ACP) role in relation to all four pillars of advanced clinical practice. You will critically examine the complex interaction of normal physiological processes involved in the control and regulation of metabolism. In your studies you will analyse the manifestations and consequences of altered physiology in response to disease processes, largely appropriate to your clinical specialism. You will also critically appraise the means and methods of measuring the parameters of normal and altered physiology and explore how various pathological manifestations present clinically. Each study day will be specific to a body system and discuss normal anatomy and physiology while common pathophysiology of all body systems will be critically explored. This will link to disease classification, disease processes and compensatory mechanisms involved in homeostasis.
The module will be delivered through a combination of taught, directed and self-directed study. The module will be summatively assessed through a 3,000-word essay, critically analysing a chosen organ dysfunction and discussing the manifestation of this at a cellular level. This will be commensurate with the standard required for advanced clinical practice, working towards Health Education England’s Multi-professional framework for advanced clinical practice in England (2017).
DA7011 -
Health History and Examination (20 Credits)
You will learn knowledge and skills for undertaking a general approach to health history and clinical examination of patients that will help you to achieve capability in the Clinical Practice pillar of Advanced Clinical Practice. You will cover biological systems in order to provide a systematic approach to history and clinical examination. The systems covered in your learning are as follows:
Cardiovascular system
Respiratory System
Gastrointestinal system
Neurological system
Examination of the ear
Examination of the eyes
Endocrine system
Musculoskeletal system
Genitourinary systemYou will learn how to review clinical data in order to make (differential) diagnoses, produce patient management plans and evaluate patient outcomes contributing to the Leadership and Management pillar.
To help you to develop your research role in the context of the ACP role, you will learn to interpret clinical evidence to evaluate tests and investigations. This will involve understanding research methods and data applicable to clinical practice.
DA7013 -
Service Improvement and Research Methods in Advanced Clinical Practice (20 Credits)
The module is designed to meet the needs of health and care professionals working in Advanced Clinical Practice roles across a diverse range of speciality and subject-specific areas. It will equip you with the knowledge, skills and behavioural capabilities to transform service delivery and secure continuous quality improvement. It will further enable you to identify and appraise existing knowledge or generate new knowledge in the context of uncertain and complex healthcare systems.
Designed to support you to critically engage in research and service improvement activity, it has also been closely aligned with the Multi-professional framework for advanced clinical practice in England, research capability pillar (HEE, 2017; p.10). A key focus of this module will be to identify ways in which you can critically engage in research activity, identify the need for further research or service improvements and facilitate collaborative research links. Support being provided to apply the learning within context of individual practice, disciplines, and professional interests.
Throughout the module, you will engage in a wide variety of authentic learning activities and critically examine aspects of the research process and service improvement methods. Utilising good research practice guidance and appraising a range of validated methodologies you will develop a broad understanding of how the various approaches can be used to enhance care provision, promote safety, and improve productivity.
Module tutors who are also active researchers will support you to adopt a critical and reflexive approach, bringing the research and your role in shaping it to life.
AC7066 -
Non-Medical Prescribing (V300) (40 Credits)
This module will facilitate your development of the knowledge and skills required for safe and effective prescribing from a legally specified UK formulary. Successful completion of all components of the module will lead to the achievement of a recordable prescribing qualification with your regulatory body (NMC or HCPC). The subject areas you will study include assessing the patient and considering prescribing options, pharmacology for prescribing and de-prescribing, legal and regulatory frameworks, providing information, reaching shared decisions, monitoring and reviewing treatments, prescribing safely, professionally and as part of a team and improving prescribing practice.
More informationDA7006 -
Contemporary Advanced Clinical Practice (20 Credits)
In this module you will continue to develop and build upon the concepts required of an Advanced Clinical Practitioner (ACP). Drawing on the Health Education England Multi-professional Framework for Advanced Clinical Practice, in this module you will explore the four pillars of advanced level practice (clinical practice, leadership and management, education and research) and associated capabilities. The module will enhance your knowledge and skills in each of the four pillars and enable you to analyse and synthesise these to inform the development, implementation and evaluation of your Advanced Clinical Practitioner role. You will explore the global, political and social context of advanced practice and the expectations of the advanced practitioner as clinician, educator, leader and researcher. As an innovative and transformative non-medical workforce role , you will examine the legal, professional and ethical principles informing autonomous advanced level practice. Contemporary theories of leadership, management and change management will support your development as a leader of service innovation and enhanced patient care, delivering and evaluating person-centred holistic care within a multi-professional, multi-agency team, and undertaking practice development, quality assurance and enhancement of service delivery (research, audit, service evaluation, improvement/redesign), including service user/public partnership engagement. As an educator, you will develop your knowledge and application of learning, teaching and assessment theories to create and enhance the learning environment/culture within your service/organisation and establish your ACP role as a mentor, coach, supervisor and assessor. To achieve the level of advanced practice, you will demonstrate your ability to critically appraise contemporary sources of evidence (for example, research; local, national and international guidelines/policy; and legal, ethical and professional frameworks) and demonstrate utilisation of this information applied to your clinical practice.
If you are studying for a specialist named award, you will be expected to develop your ACP role in the context of the nationally recognised standard of advanced practice associated with that award. Please refer to the programme specification document for more information about specialist named awards.
DA7008 -
Managing Clinical Complexity in Advanced Clinical Practice (20 Credits)
In this module you will continue to develop and build upon your Advanced Clinical Practitioner (ACP) development. This module will aid you in the development of the following areas of your ACP role and will be tailored to your specialist field of practice: you will be able to assess and provide on-going review of patients through the assimilation of complex clinical data; monitor and modify collaborative management plans across complex disease continuums, attain technical ability to perform required interventions to our practice; order and/or interpret clinical and diagnostics interventions to evaluate treatment plans for ongoing management, whilst providing a critical rational for actions; critically appraise the clinical progress of patients to plan care, and communicate findings to patients, relatives, and members of the multi-disciplinary team as appropriate to your practice area; critically review patients, relatives, and members of the multi-disciplinary team participation in decision making for care; explore ethical issues in relation to your advanced practice role; critically appraise contemporary sources of evidence (e.g. research, local, national, and international guidelines, and legal, ethical and professional frameworks) and demonstrate utilisation of this information in clinical decisions; and, finally, demonstrate development of management and leadership skills in the organisation of care.
The module utilises a structured core lecture and specialist applied seminar approach to enable you to tailor your learning to your specialist area. You will be encouraged to attend the seminar that is most suited to your learning needs; however, if you are completing a specialist named award you will be required to attend the seminars that are identified as being a core component of your recognised curriculum or standard. The specialist named awards and their recognised standards are as follows:
Emergency Care- ACPs working in Emergency Care will work towards the Royal College of Emergency Medicine Emergency Care Advanced Clinical Practitioner Curriculum. https://www.rcem.ac.uk/RCEM/Exams_Training/Emergency_Care_ACP/Emergency_Care_ACP.aspx?WebsiteKey=b3d6bb2a-abba-44ed-b758-467776a958cd&hkey=8244ccaf-e85a-4b1e-8f8d-152484810137&New_ContentCollectionOrganizerCommon=1
Primary Care- ACPs working in Primary Care will work towards the Royal College of General Practitioners Core Capabilities Framework for Advanced Clinical Practice (Nurses) Working in General Practice/ Primary Care in England. https://www.skillsforhealth.org.uk/services/item/724-advanced-clinical-practice-core-capabilities-for-nurses-working-within-general-practice-settings-in-england
Advanced Critical Care Practitioner- ACPs working in a Critical Care setting will work towards the Faculty of Intensive Care Medicines Advanced Critical Care Practice curriculum. https://www.ficm.ac.uk/accps/curriculum
Sexual Health- ACPs working in Sexual Health will work towards the FSRH, BASHH and NHIVNA Advanced Clinical Practitioner (ACP) Integrated Sexual Health and HIV Specialist Training Curriculum. https://www.fsrh.org/news/fsrh-bashh-and-nhivna-advanced-level-curriculum-acp-for-nurses/
If you are studying for a specialist named award, you will be expected to demonstrate that you have developed your knowledge and skills in the context of the nationally recognised standard of advanced practice associated with that award. Please refer to the programme specification document for more information about specialist named awards.
DA7009 -
Professional and Practice Development for Advanced Clinical Practice (20 Credits)
In this module, you will continue to develop and build upon the capabilities required of an Advanced Clinical Practitioner (ACP). Based on the Health Education England Multi-professional Framework for Advanced Clinical Practice, in this module you will evaluate your knowledge, capability and confidence in leading and enhancing patient care and service delivery. Focused on an area of interest and informed by a robust evidence base, this module affords you the flexibility to apply and reflect on your personal and practice development needs to develop your knowledge, skills and abilities to enhance patient care or service delivery within your practice using systematic and rigorous approaches. You will identify your personal development needs related to service improvement, quality assurance and service enhancement approaches in clinical practice. You will also evaluate contemporary theories of leadership, management and change management to effect and evaluate improvements to patient care and service delivery, including use of Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMS) and Patient Recorded Experience Measures (PREMS) in your area of practice. As a leader within a multi-professional, multi-agency team, you will examine strategies for evaluating person-centred holistic care and undertaking practice development, quality assurance and enhancement of service delivery (research, audit, service evaluation, improvement/redesign). This will include analysis of service user/public partnership engagement. You will enhance your ability to critically appraise contemporary sources of evidence (for example, research; local, national and international guidelines/policy; and legal, ethical and professional frameworks) and demonstrate appropriate utilisation of these sources to inform developments for clinical practice.
If you are studying for a specialist named award, you will be expected to develop your ACP role in the context of the nationally recognised standard of advanced practice associated with that award. Please refer to the programme specification document for more information about specialist named awards.
DA7012 -
Knowledge for Advanced Clinical Practice (Apprenticeship End Point Assessment) (20 Credits)
The purpose of this module is to consolidate your previous learning and support you in your demonstration of the achievement of knowledge, skills and behaviours outlined in the National Standards for the Integrated Degree Apprenticeship for Advanced Clinical Practitioner at Level 7 in order to meet the end point assessment (EPA) requirements of the apprenticeship. To undertake this module, you must meet the criteria to pass through a formal programme gateway that demonstrates readiness to undertake the EPA. Further details about the gateway criteria and EPA can be found by visiting the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IFATE) Advanced Clinical Practitioner (Integrated degree) website.
When you study this Masters programme as an apprenticeship, in addition to your degree grade you will be awarded an apprenticeship grade. The apprenticeship grade range includes fail, pass, merit and distinction and this module will provide you with your apprenticeship grade. You can find more information about the apprenticeship grade via the link above.
If you are studying for a specialist named award, you will be expected to demonstrate that you meet the knowledge, skills and behaviours of an advanced clinical practitioner working in the nationally recognised standard associated with that award. Please refer to the programme specification document for more information about specialist named awards.
DA7018 -
Apprenticeship Dissertation Portfolio for Advanced Clinical Practitioners (40 Credits)
In this module you will critically explore a range of approaches to research and how research informs clinical practice. Emphasis will be placed on your understanding of the world view, design and meaning system that will drive your own final project that will form your dissertation. You will pick between an Empirical Project, Service Improvement or Systematic Appraisal. In the module you will revisit and deepen your understandings of a range of key topic areas linked to research and service improvement processes; it will include discussion of world views and research paradigms; the research question, aim or hypothesis; research and service improvement design, using literature and theory to inform evidence-based practice; developing ethical codes; constructing the research sample, collecting robust research evidence; ensuring quality assurance within your work; analysing both qualitative and quantitative evidence; and writing and disseminating your findings. You will be invited to attend a series of research and service improvement seminars during the module and you will have access to a named supervisor for one-to-one supervision. Both the seminars and individual supervision will encourage you to apply the key areas of learning within this module to your own professional context and field of expertise. This will enable you to critically examine how the research and service improvement processes will work best for your final project goals and design.
If you are studying for a specialist named award, you will be expected to complete your research project (portfolio one) and the competence-based component (portfolio two) in the context of the nationally recognised standard of advanced practice associated with that award. Please refer to the programme specification document for more information about specialist named awards
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